The hostel and the budget backpacker go hand in hand the same way as peanut butter and jelly, rum and coke, or Buzz and Woody. But if you’ve been dragging your bag around with you for a while, sharing dorms with strangers and never having the privacy of your own bathroom, the hostel environment can get old.

If you’ve had enough of bunk beds, doors opening at all hours, and the potential for bed bugs, then looking into alternative accommodation during your travels, just for a night or two to recharge, is not that difficult. Here are some options for when the hostel life has you completely drained.

SPLASH OUT

There’s not a lot much better in life than having a fancy hotel room with a bed the size of a truck, your own bathroom and room service (maybe). Staying in a hotel will remind what it is like to be a real person and will give you the chance to unwind in luxury, even if it’s just for a night.

Checking into places such as one of the Staybridge Suites Charlotte-Ballantyne, can take you away from the hectic atmosphere that the hostel inspires. While you won’t meet as many cool and interesting people, at least you will have some time to yourself, which we all need from time to time.

INTO THE WOODS

Being one with nature out in the forest where artificial light is but a myth and you have nothing but the moon and stars and wind to keep you company is an experience that you won’t forget. There are beautiful landscapes all over the world where you can pitch a tent, get a fire going and camp in the heart of woodland or overlooking vast valleys.

Camping out in the wilderness can be spooky, but waking up in the morning to picturesque sunrise and babbling brooks will make it all worth it. Of course, you need to ensure that you are legally allowed to camp there and that you are not trespassing on private property. And, as always, remember to leave the place exactly how you found it. 

LOCAL FLAVOUR

If camping or luxury isn’t your thing and you want to get a real taste of the local culture, then consider looking into local residences, or homestays, that will accept travellers to stay overnight. Not only will this save you money on accommodation, but you will also be exposed to a side of the country that you don’t often witness.

Staying with local families in villages will allow you to sample genuine cuisine and culture and in return, all they may ask for is a bit of help with the washing up. Some places will charge, but it is not like staying anywhere else in the world. You will learn, you will laugh, you will make connections in the most unlikely of places and have friends for the rest of your life, should you ever choose to pass through again.

Hostels are a great place to meet people, but jumping from hostel to hostel makes you miss out on what else the country has to offer. Whether you need to get away from the party atmosphere and have some to yourself or merely explore the hidden secrets of the country, there are alternative options for you to find a place to sleep that might just make you never want to sleep in a bunk bed ever again.